Blog Archive

Everest Base Camp Trek 7 -23 March 2009 Rob Lewis Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu The chaotic Kathmandu traffic on the journey from the airport is the first thing to make an impression in Nepal. It's a constant wonder how the cars, trucks, bikes and pedestrians avoid colliding. I'm convinced there must be some rules in play amongst it all but I can't figure out what they are! The Hotel Tibet is our base in Kathmandu, a marvel of Tibetan architecture and design in red and gold. The facilities are clean and comfortable and the staff welcoming.

Everyone knows the feeling that you get when work is getting on top of you, people are trying your patience, or your favourite football team has just been beaten again. You are often left standing amid the chaos of the UK urban rat race thinking: "I wish I could get away from it all".

I've gone through this episode on a number of occasions and recently I bit the bullet and took some time off to recharge the batteries. I needed an escape, somewhere that was the complete polar opposite to the monotony of nine-to-five Britain. I was headed for the Sahara desert.

Having spent nearly four years in Latin America, I have a weakness for South America, and Peru in particular. The country has many hidden treasures, including the majestic Inca settlements of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu and the impressive cities of Arequipa and Cusco. My personal favourite is the Cotahausi Canyon in the South of the country. At 3500 m, it is the deepest natural canyon on earth, it not only provides one of the most spectacular hikes in the country but is also home to the Solimana river from which there is some pretty spectacular rapids to raft.

The home of the mighty Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is the perfect introduction to Africa for those visiting the continent for the first time. Home to the Serengeti and the Ngororo crater and its rich abundance of spectacular wildlife but also the highest mountain in Africa. My advice for those attempting to climb the 5893m peak is to train properly and give yourself enough time to summit safely. Don’t underestimate Kilimanjaro, but respect it and you will have an experience you will never forget.

Sri Lanka has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller, from its rich coast life to its striking archaeology. Colombo is a hub of activity. I’d recommend tea in the Colonnial Galle Face hotel and then a stroll along the promenade where hundreds of children and their families fly kites. Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress in the middle of the tear drop shaped island is a well worth a climb. Hot and sweaty but mind bogglingly impressive. My favourite place was Kandy and a hotel called Helga’s Folly, run by an eccentric Englishwoman and her pack of dalmations.

Costa Rica is a great place to experience your first adventure holiday. The country is small enough to explore and packed with unique adventures, from climbing the Arenal Volcano to watching Turtles hatch at the Costa Rica national park.

This blog post is from a visitor who spent a year in Costa Rica, and shares some personal insights into this beautiful country.

The Himalaya mountains must rank amongst the most beautiful in the world, and certainly no visit to this remote kingdom is complete without a trip into the snowy peaks. For the really adventurous, you can trek to Everest base camp or as I did, to Panch Pokhari, at 4050m, the highest lake in Nepal, but Nepal isn’t just about the mountains. In the South of the country are Chitwan and Bardia National parks which are home to an impressive array of wildlife from Elephants and Rhinos to Tigers.

The jewel of the Carribean, Cuba is one of the most memorable places I have ever been. A drive in a classic car and a mojito in Ernest Hemingway’s old haunt, La Floridita are almost obligatory. Try travelling on one of the enormous old Russian articulated trucks used as buses and better still spend an afternoon in one of the islands Cigar rolling factories. Hundreds of Cuban’s sit at desks hand rolling the iconic cigars while listing to the Cuban alternative to the Archers or learning from visiting teachers.

I spent nearly two years living in Ecuador and have a soft spot for the South American republic. There are few places where you will find such diversity. A country most famous for the UNESCO protected Galapagos islands, it has a rich Andean life, shaped by the high mountains. From Quito, the capital follow the 325km long, Avenue of Volcanoes, where you will find the 9 tallest peaks in Ecuador, ranging from 5000 to 6300m in height. If your feeling really adventurous you could attempt to climb, Cotopaxi, the tallest active volcano on the planet.

Still basking in the post World Cup glory, South Africa is one of the most vibrant and exciting countries. Cape Town is one of the most spectacular cities, situated on the rolling Atlantic Ocean and beneath the impressive Table Mountain. Visit Camps Bay and Clifton for a taste of Cape Tonian life and it's excellent food and wine. From the fruitful winelands of Stellenbosch to the dry arid deserts of the Kalahari. If you’re after the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Black Rhino) , then visit Kruger National Park.

Would be great to hear from anyone else who has booked up to attend the Tatras Winter Adventure (8 days) - Slovakia - Starting 12th February 2012. I look forward to meeting you all on the trip, Hayley :-)

They are quite smelly. And their teeth look awfully menacing. When you are aboard one of them, and it stands up, there is a nasty moment, as if you are on a fairground ride which is about to go terribly wrong. But believe me, riding through the Sahara on a camel is really one of those feelgood moments, even though – like me- you might be well out of your comfort zone while doing it.

What I really liked about Morocco were the local people. They were always really friendly to you, even when they were trying to sell you things. They always smiled at you and if you spoke the same language or even something close to it, you could have a really nice conversation with them! We went to this amazing scarf gallery where all these scarves were hanging down and there were beautiful painted pots and tagines.

Travel, they say, does two things. It broadens the mind, and it provides memories. Particularly if you are a bit adventurous about it. My favourite moment in a holiday? Arriving. Stepping out of the plane, coach or boat; feeling the sun ( or rain) on my skin, hearing people talking in a different language. Being on another bit of the earth is just such a treat. “It’s magic!” I say to my children. Even hopping on the Eurostar amazes me. Sharing the magic with your children is of course one of the true delights in being a parent.

Interested in linking up with any other families doing the above trip. I'm a single mum with two children - 15year old daughter and a 9 year old son. This is our first Adventure Holiday trip but we have a number of friends who have done it and said how fantastic it is. They have offered us a number of tips and suggestions of things to take.

Tucked away in between France and Spain, the tiny principality of Andorra must surely be one of Europe's best kept secrets. The fact the country doesn't even have its own airport could mean the fascinating skiing destination often flies under the radar of less experienced winter sports enthusiasts. However, for those who have sampled the pistes of numerous different locations around the world, Andorra is a stand-out resort.

Popular Links

Adventures Worldwide Limited trading as the The Family Adventure Company - a member of Intrepid Group. Registered Office: 4th Floor, Piano House, 9 Brighton Terrace, Brixton, London, SW9 8DJ. Registered in England & Wales No 1826936. The Adventure Company is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA's register by visiting the FSA's website at www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234.